(Westminster, Colo.)--- Katherine Keeley may be a business owner but helping others is her main concern. Thankfully, her business - American Ramp Systems - allows her to stay true to that priority.
Keeley, a former educator, first opened American Ramp Systems in 2004 with her sister, Dianne Larkowski, but assumed sole ownership of the business in March of 2006. Since that time, Keeley and her team - which includes daughter Robynn, sons Brandon and Kevin, and daughter-in-law Mandy - have installed approximately 200 ramps throughout the state of Colorado and have plans to continue providing their services to those in need well into the future.
"I wanted to make sure that any business I started would be one that truly improved the lives of others and American Ramp Systems does just that," said Keeley, 54. "Whether one is elderly, disabled or recovering from surgery, everyone wants to maintain their independence and I'm able to provide my clients with a way to do that every day."
In addition to obtaining business through referrals from hospitals and assisted living facilities, Keeley also works with several national charities including Rebuilding Together and Volunteers of America. Through Rebuilding Together, Keeley helps the organization's local chapter to help people safely restructure their homes and improve accessibility. According to Phil Kroeker, a member of Rebuilding Together's board of directors, Keeley has assisted the organization in 16 installations and is a wonderful individual that is always willing go above and beyond to ensure that each project is done right. "We couldn't ask for a better partner," said Kroeker. Keeley also recently began working with Volunteers of America's Senior Community Care, an all-inclusive care program for elderly residents of rural regions, and has since donated time, labor and materials for three ramps. Center director Eva Veitch couldn't be happier, stating, "All we need to do is take the measurements and Katherine takes care of the rest. And with our program growing as fast as it is, we don't know what we would do without her!"
Boston-based American Ramp Systems' ramps are available to rent or buy with no minimum size or rental period. Most ramps can be installed in only a few hours and within 24 to 48 hours after approval and unlike permanent wood or concrete ramps, modular ramps from American Ramp Systems usually do not require permits, contractors or property tax assessments. American Ramps can be easily dismantled without damage to home or property and moved to any new home or other location or returned to inventory to be used for future projects. American Ramp Systems has a national network of 40 franchises serving 27 states and 42 percent of the U.S. population. Growth has been steady and substantial with 2008 sales increasing more than 30 percent over 2007. Sales growth has increased 400 percent over the last 48 months and international expansion is expected to begin in 2009 through a master franchise program. As her business continues to grow, Keeley hopes to continue servicing clients throughout her Southern Denver territory and beyond for as long as she can.
"There are so many people out there who haven't heard about American Ramp yet - people who could really benefit from this product - and it's my goal to make this system known to as many people as possible," said Keeley.
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